UGC NET Computer Science syllabus, exam pattern for December 2026 cycle released

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the complete syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme for the University Grants Commission, National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) Computer Science and Applications for the December 2026 examination cycle. This information is crucial for candidates aspiring for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) award and appointment as Assistant Professor across various institutions in the country.

The UGC NET December 2026 exam is scheduled to take place from 14 to 19 December 2026, with additional buffer dates on 20 and 21 December 2026. The examination will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) across various centres nationwide.

UGC NET Computer Science Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The UGC NET exam for the December 2026 cycle will consist of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, administered in a single session without any break. The total duration for both papers combined is 3 hours (180 minutes). Paper 1, the General Paper, assesses teaching and research aptitude and comprises 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for a total of 100 marks. Paper 2, which is subject-specific for Computer Science and Applications (subject code 87), contains 100 MCQs for a total of 200 marks.

Candidates will be awarded 2 marks for each correct answer. There will be no negative marking for incorrect responses, a policy that has been consistently followed. The question papers will be available in both English and Hindi. The National Testing Agency conducts this examination to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professorship.

UGC NET Computer Science and Applications Syllabus

The University Grants Commission (UGC) describes the syllabus for all UGC NET exams, including Computer Science and Applications. The subject code for Computer Science and Applications is 87. Paper 2, which covers 87 subjects in total, specifically assesses subject-specific knowledge. The Computer Science Paper 2 syllabus is divided into 10 distinct units, covering a broad range of topics within the discipline.

These units include foundational areas such as Discrete Structures and Optimization, Computer System Architecture, and Programming Languages and Computer Graphics. Advanced topics like Database Management Systems, System Software and Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Data Structures and Algorithms, Theory of Computation and Compilers, Data Communication and Computer Networks, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also part of the curriculum. Candidates are advised to refer to the official NTA website for the complete syllabus document.

Key Information for Candidates

The UGC NET December 2026 session follows the June 2026 session and is a crucial examination for determining eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professorship, and PhD admissions across India. Until December 2018, the test comprised two papers conducted in two different sessions with separate durations. The current format integrates both papers into a single 3-hour session.

Candidates should regularly check the official NTA website, nta.ac.in, and the UGC NET websites for the latest updates regarding the examination. The UGC NET Admit Card 2026 for the December 2026 session will be released on the official NTA website, and candidates will be able to download it once available.

Further reading

• UGC NET Commerce syllabus 2026 released: exam from 14 December
• UGC NET 2026 History syllabus released for June, December sessions
• AP EdCET registration: dates and steps to apply
• UGC NET: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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